NCMS Presents 2016 Anderson and Estes Awards

The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) presented the John Huske Anderson Award and the E. Harvey Estes, MD, Physician Community Service award at the M3 Conference in Greensboro on Saturday evening, Sept 17.

The John Huske Anderson Award recognizes those outside of the medical profession for their contributions to the work of physicians and physician assistants. This year’s recipient is Bonnie Jeffreys Brown. Brown is in her third decade as executive director of the New Hanover-Pender County Medical Society representing approximately 500 physicians in and around Wilmington. Her contributions in that role have had a positive impact on the medical profession that reaches beyond New Hanover and Pender counties, as evidenced in the physician leaders coming from her territory to assume statewide leadership roles. For instance, former NCMS President Michael Moulton, MD, was president of the New Hanover-Pender County Medical Society before his state presidency. Brown’s son Philip Brown, MD, is a Wilmington physician, alumnus of the NCMS Leadership College and serves on the NCMS Board of Directors.

Bonnie Brown and her proud family.

In her nearly 33 years with the New Hanover-Pender County Medical Society, Brown has maintained a vibrant and active society. One of collegiality and looking outward to help the larger community as an organization. She has served her community through the Society’s outreach programs including athlete screening physicals and scholarship awards.

As NCMS President Paul Cunningham, MD, remarked in presenting Brown with the award: “At the NCMS, we know she is on our side and a true advocate for the medical profession.”

The 2016 E. Harvey Estes, MD, Physician Community Service Award recognizes a physician who not only cares for individual patients, but also serves the larger community. This year’s recipient is Warren J. Pendergast, MD.

Dr. Cunningham presents Dr. Pendergast with his award.

Dr. Pendergast recently retired as CEO of the North Carolina Physicians Health Program (PHP) after serving for nearly 17 years. PHP’s core mission is to improve the health and wellness of medical professionals, crucial services in today’s health care environment with increasing numbers of physicians feeling overwhelmed and burned out.

Throughout his tenure at PHP, as a psychiatrist, medical director and CEO, Dr. Pendergast distinguished himself as a calm, thoughtful and compassionate leader. Under his guidance, PHP has served thousands of physicians, physician assistants and other health professionals throughout the state. He has helped them regain personal and professional well-being so they can better serve their patients and the larger community.

He has been recognized for his leadership and asked to serve at the national level on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Federation of State Health Programs.